And while Corbbrey, a relatively unknown commodity to most MMA fans, is “honored” for the opportunity to face Diaz on the Showtime-televised card featuring a KJ Noons vs. Yves Edwards title fight, the seven-year MMA veteran is ready to show the world that he’s capable of the upset.

“It’s an honor to be on a card with these guys,” Corbbrey said in a recent conference call promoting the event. “All these guys are tough. Yves (Edwards) is someone I’ve looked up to, so it’s going to be great to be on a card with him. KJ (Noons) is tough as nails. And Nick (Diaz) is one of the toughest fighters out there. So it’s an honor to be grouped in with these guys and to have the chance to show what I can do against these guys.”

Corbbrey began his MMA career in 2001 and has also built a professional boxing record of 4-2-1 along the way. Now the 30-year-old believes his style is well-suited to properly test Diaz.

“I’ve been training in martial arts for a long time in a little bit of everything,” Corbbrey said. “I think our styles are going to mesh well in the cage to put on a great fight for everyone. It should be a fun fight for the fans.”

Corbbrey knows that the Cesar Gracie-trained black belt will be his toughest test to date, and he told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that it is also his greatest opportunity.

“[This fight is] a huge opportunity,” Corbbrey said. “I have a ton of respect for [Diaz]. He’s a tough fighter that’s been around forever. I really appreciate EliteXC for giving me a chance to step up and show what I can do.”

However thankful Corbbrey may be for the opportunity, the South Carolina native wants everyone to know he intends on making Saturday a long evening for the favored Diaz.

“It’s definitely going to come down to who wants it a little more,” Corbbrey said. “I know [Diaz] wants it. Every fight he goes into, he fights tooth and nail to the end. So it’s just going to be a tough, hard fight, and I’m going to have to step in there and get gritty with him.”

While the controversial Diaz will certainly garner the majority of the pre-fight hype and crowd reaction, Corbbrey hopes to put on a performance capable of bringing his name to the forefront of EliteXC’s lightweight division.

“I’m looking forward to continue to making a name for myself and fighting the best,” Corbbrey said. “Nick is one of the best in the world. …This will be a great fight.”

As the UFC 189 tour made its last stop in Dublin, featherweight champ Jose Aldo was met with a torrent of abuse from the Irish fans. It might have been unpleasant, but it might also have been just what he needed.